Rose puts Macklin's career on the line

Steve Simpson

Matthew Macklin has admitted that his boxing career is on the line when he meets Blackpool's Brian Rose at the 02 Arena on Saturday night.

And it could be all or nothing for both fighters when they meet for a meetings that boasts all the portents of being an engrossing contest on the undercard of the Anthony Joshua-Charles Martin world heavyweight title showdown at the London venue.

Macklin, the Birmingham-based Irish fighter and a former world title challenger, is threatening to quit the sport should he lose, while it could be an all-or-nothing fight for Rose.

He harbours ambitions of mixing it with the best at middleweight and stepping down to a lower grade has zero appeal for a 31-year-old fighter at this stage of his career.

Rose says he is fine shape for the bout, a problem with his shoulder which started up during pre-fight camp now cleared up.

Rose, stepping up to elite middleweight level, said: "There is a lot on the line for both of us on Saturday.

"This is the perfect fight for me at this stage."

There is common-ground between the pair as to forecasts that Rose v Martin could turn out to be the scrap of the night.

Macklin said: "Styles make fights and I can't see our styles not making for a great fight.